Nationwide Brand Protection: Consumer Alert
We have been made aware of an attempt to fraudulently use the Nationwide brand name.
Any time anyone uses our name in a way that contradicts what we stand for and how we operate, it can damage our brand, our reputation and our business. That’s why Nationwide’s brand protection team takes fraudulent attempts to contact or solicit personal information from consumers very seriously.
What caused the Nationwide consumer alert
- One or more individuals, with no affiliation to Nationwide but claiming to be doing business as Nationwide, have sent letters and counterfeit checks to consumers in multiple states.
- These checks indicate they are from Nationwide Insurance payable to the recipient for $4,500.
- The checks came with a letter telling the recipient they are a winner in a “Consumer Promotion Draw” that has been organized for customers of major stores in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
- It says the recipient is entitled to $150,000 and that the $4,500 check is to cover a tax payment for “Non-resident Government Tax” payable to a British Tax Officer.
- There have been varying names given as the tax officer, but all addresses provided are in the United Kingdom.
- The information indicates the tax amount of $3,750.00 and the payment methods of Moneygram International or Western Union money transfer.
- The information strongly advises the recipient to keep this confidential until their claim is processed. It includes the name of a claim agent and an 866 number to call.
This contest is not affiliated with Nationwide in any way. It is a fraudulent attempt to scam money from unsuspecting recipients and is the cause of this Nationwide consumer alert.
Contact Nationwide if you have received fraudulent communication
People have received these letters in at least 10 states, and our Nationwide brand protection team is working with authorities to investigate these activities. We will make additional information available as the investigation continues.
If you have any concerns about whether a communication is authentic, contact our Customer Relations Department at 1-800-882-2822 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
